In a bold move to address climate challenges and promote energy-efficient building design, The American University in Cairo (AUC) has launched the Solar Decathlon Design Challenge – Africa 2025 (SDDC-A 2025). This marks the first time the prestigious international competition is being held in Egypt, signaling a new chapter in Africa’s journey toward sustainable construction and clean energy solutions
The competition challenges university students across Africa to design high-performance, low-carbon buildings powered by renewable energy. By fostering innovation and practical solutions, the challenge aims to bridge traditional knowledge with modern technology, reinforcing the importance of sustainability in the built environment.
AUC is hosting SDDC-A 2025 in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy and the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. This partnership underscores the growing commitment to sustainability, clean energy education, and innovative research across the continent.
By bringing together students and professionals from various African nations, the challenge fosters collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the celebration of Africa’s unique architectural heritage. It serves as a platform to integrate traditional knowledge, local materials, and indigenous architectural practices into modern sustainable and resilient built environments.
The competition aligns with AUC’s broader mission of spearheading green building initiatives and preparing students to lead the transition toward sustainable and energy-efficient design solutions.
SDDC-A 2025 is structured around 10 contests, testing students’ ability to collaboratively develop zero-energy buildings while addressing key sustainability challenges such as carbon emissions, energy consumption, affordability, and community resilience.
Participants are expected to integrate the latest technologies and materials into their designs, tailoring solutions to the specific needs of Africa’s urban and rural landscapes. This year’s focus on Africa allows teams to highlight innovative approaches that reflect the region’s environmental, economic, and cultural contexts.
Registered teams will embark on a year-long journey, refining their designs and gaining invaluable insights from expert mentors. The competition includes a virtual semi-final round in November 2025, where participants will present their initial designs to a panel of expert jurors. Finalist teams will then be invited to AUC for the in-person final competition in March 2026, where Division Winners and Grand Winners will be announced.
The competition provides a platform for students to demonstrate their creativity, problem-solving skills, and commitment to sustainability while contributing to Africa’s green building movement.
SDDC-A 2025 encourages participation from diverse institutions, allowing students from engineering, architecture, environmental science, and related fields to collaborate on real-world sustainability challenges. The event serves as a catalyst for innovation and professional growth, providing students with networking opportunities and exposure to industry leaders.
With Africa’s rapid urbanization and increasing demand for resilient infrastructure, competitions like the Solar Decathlon Design Challenge play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of sustainable architects and engineers.
Key Milestones for SDDC-A 2025
Registration Opens: February 13, 2025
Information Session (Online): May 15, 2025
Registration Closes: October 15, 2025
Semi-Final Design Submission Deadline: November 1, 2025
Semi-Final Competition (Online Event): November 15, 2025
Final Design Submission Deadline: February 17, 2026
Final Competition (In-Person Event at AUC): March 25-26, 2026
As Africa continues to embrace sustainability and clean energy solutions, initiatives like SDDC-A 2025 will play an integral role in inspiring young professionals to pioneer innovative approaches in the built environment. The competition not only nurtures technical expertise but also fosters a mindset of environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
AUC’s leadership in hosting the challenge reflects its commitment to shaping a sustainable future for Africa. By empowering students and fostering collaboration across the continent, the Solar Decathlon Design Challenge – Africa 2025 is set to become a beacon of innovation and progress in sustainable building design.
